Danny Rose hopeful of Euro 2016 tournament spot

Doncaster-born Danny Rose expects his battle with Ryan Bertrand for the England left-back spot at Euro 2016 to be a close one.

Rose was given the first opportunity to stake his claim by playing 90 minutes in Sunday’s warm-up friendly against Turkey at the Etihad Stadium.

The Tottenham Hotspurs defender overcame a difficult start to deliver a solid performance and earn the sponsors’ man of the match award in England’s 2-1 victory.

The 25-year-old said: “I didn’t expect to start.

“We found out the team on Friday and it was a great surprise.

“Me and Ryan are going to go at it toe to toe for the next two weeks and may the best man win.

“Four months ago I wouldn’t have thought I would be in this position, it is pretty surreal.

“I am just trying to enjoy every minute of it and take my club form into international level.”

Rose was exposed as Turkey cancelled out Harry Kane’s early opener through Hakan Calhanoglu and there were some other anxious moments for the England back four before Jamie Vardy secured victory.

Rose added: “We are definitely optimistic but there was a message from the manager after the game that we are going to have to defend better if we are going to go anywhere in the European Championship.

“But if we put the mistakes we made right that will give us a good platform to build on in the Euros.